Divorce and Separation In Pennsylvania

The ending of a marriage is a sad and stressful time for families. In addition to dealing with the emotional pain of a split, spouses must also contemplate how to divide their property, finances and, most importantly, their time with their children. Terminating a marriage – or beginning the process through a formal separation – can be made easier with the help of a compassionate Pennsylvania divorce lawyer.

Munley, Munley & Cartwright has been assisting couples with separation and divorce issues for years. Our attorneys have extensive knowledge of Pennsylvania’s marriage and divorce laws and can help you resolve issues involving marital property, assets, child custody, alimony, child support and other family law matters. To schedule a free consultation, contact us online or by calling 877-421-9173.

Our firm represents clients throughout Pennsylvania and has offices in Scranton, Carbondale, Plains, Stroudsburg, Hazleton and Hamlin.

About Pennsylvania Legal Separations

Technically, Pennsylvania does not have “legal separations.”  A separation means that you and your spouse no longer live together. A separation may be by mutual consent between you and your spouse or by one of you leaving the residence. In some circumstances, Pennsylvania courts will consider couples living “separate and apart” even while under the same roof. Still, the fact remains that you will technically be married until you formally divorce.

The vast majority of couples separate with the intent to divorce. But sometimes couples do not want a formal divorce. In either circumstance, it is advisable to consult with a Pennsylvania separation and divorce lawyer because elements of the separation can have an impact on future legal proceedings, such as:

• The date of the separation: Determining the date of separation can be important in valuing marital assets. Some assets are valued from the date of separation, whereas others are valued from the date of the divorce. Many couples mutually agree to a date of separation. However, if it is contested, the court will determine a date by looking at factors such as when a spouse stopped living in the house, whether the pair ate meals together, vacationed together (or just for their child’s sake), continued having sexual relations or began living separate lives, even if still within the home.

You might also want to consider meeting with a lawyer to spell out the terms of a Separation and Property Settlement Agreement. This is a contract written by your lawyer and the attorney representing your spouse, but can be enforced like a court order. In the agreement, a separating couple can:

• Make decisions on how to divide real estate and property. Otherwise, the Pennsylvania courts will do it for you.
• Determine support payable to dependent spouses and children.
• Divide responsibilities for debts and legal fees.
• Make health and life insurance arrangements.
• Settle on custody and visitation plans.

As marital circumstances evolve, so can the Separation and Property Settlement Agreement. The court can modify the agreement over time.

Marriages are complex arrangements and must be carefully dissolved. Although you may think that you do not need a divorce lawyer if you are separating from your spouse in Pennsylvania, it is advisable to at least consult with one as the process begins. You may find that an attorney can help you make considerations that you would never have thought of without legal training and an understanding of Pennsylvania marriage, separation and divorce laws.

Separating? Contact a Pennsylvania Divorce Lawyer Today

At Munley, Munley & Cartwright, our goal is to provide exceptional legal services to our clients. We strive to achieve the highest standard of excellence for the protection of individual rights through teamwork and the use of our considerable legal resources and experience. For a free consultation regarding your legal separation, call 877-421-9173 or use our online form.